Rufford Tip, formed from colliery spoil, lies at the heart of the Nottinghamshire heathlands, a nationally valuable biodiversity resource.  The restoration strategy for the site will create a mosaic of habitats, including extensive areas of lowland heath, achieving a major part of the long term heathland delivery target set out in the Nottinghamshire Heathland Strategy. 

The scheme required identification and quantification of soils resources and preparation of soils handling, storage and spreading methodologies with a detailed phasing programme.  Innovative heathland establishment techniques have resulted in the creation of a valuable wildlife and community resource.  The scheme demonstrates that close liaison between mineral operators and planning authorities can achieve significant beneficial results.